tag:billyx.net,2005:/blogs/journal-be02c373-b252-4ce0-8c21-8fdb522a6b10?p=1Journal2024-02-12T13:08:38-06:00Billy X. Curmanofalsetag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348852017-10-22T19:00:00-05:002022-05-30T14:18:53-05:00Ali's UK request & response
<p>Upon my return from Art in Odd Places, NYC, I found this note from Ali (who lives in the United Kingdom) requesting an image. It reminded me of former postal art projects and I responded by creating this post card image just for Ali.</p>
<p>The shameless commerce department advises, "Don't be a Copycat". You can't be sure of Billy's mood or if he will even respond. If you must have some of his work, visit our handy store or get in touch.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/435155/a4f5eaf7c4fd79dfe7d950ffa69d014e81fb3cb1/original/ali2-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDUyMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Ali2_resized.jpg" height="522" width="800" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/435155/9b4f264442e46aef1a86f34cc6632b23dc4e5e8c/original/ali3-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDUwMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Ali3_resized.jpg" height="503" width="800" /></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348842017-10-15T19:00:00-05:002024-02-12T13:08:38-06:00Art in Odd Places #3
<p>The Expeditionary Art Adventure Team Report #3. Water is Life; Mni Wiconi - these words in many languages flowed from the Sculptural Acoustic Roller Vessel as we traveled 14th St and beyond for Art in Odd Places 2017 SENSE. Water flows to unite with water because all elements are subject to the same laws. Water gives life and sometimes takes it away - but there is no life without it. What happens if our waters disappear or are polluted beyond repair? At the present time, there are over 1,000 Super Fund Sites in the USA that have not been cleaned up.<br> <br>The Keynote address/performance included a water ritual that used half of our collected waters. We continued on with 1 vial from Day one of my 2,367.4-mile Mississippi River Swim as performance and environmental statement, one vial of Hudson and East River waters and half-vials of the rest of our previously collected waters. We collected the following hidden waters between the Hudson and East Rivers for a final performance.<br><br>Vial #11 Oct. 15, 2017 - T. 14:29 Location 40º 43’ 58” N 73º 59’ 11” W Elevation 90' Aum Shanti Bookstore air conditioner drippings #226 E. 14th St Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann, Billy X Curmano, Mina Bellavia and Lilith Dorsey.<br><br>Request and entry denied for water at Tifereth Israel Synagogue 334 E. 14th Street, NYC.<br><br>Vial #12 Oct. 15, 2017 - T. 15:14 Location 40º 43’ 54” N 73º 58’ 59” W Elevation 110' Sol Goldman YM - YWHA Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann, Billy X Curmano, Mina Bellavia and Lilith Dorsey.<br><br>Final Performance and water ritual Billy X. Curmano assisted by Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann, Mina Bellavia and Lilith Dorsey. We acknowledge, with gratitude, three blessings from Mother Cabrini arranged through the co-operation of LuLu LoLo.<br><br>Art in Odd Places 2017: SENSE was curated by Jodi Waynberg, Nicolás Dumit Estévez Raful and Rocío Aranda. Curatorial manager, Christina Daniels with curatorial assistants: Claire Gohorel, Katelyn Ahladas, Sofía Reeser del Río, Jing Cui, Kara Nandin, Paulina Kowalczyk, Zoé Fornara, Emilia Shaffer-Del Valle, Katrina De Wees, and Susan Joy Rippberger.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348832017-10-14T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T13:39:43-06:00Art in Odd Places #2
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">The Expeditionary Art Adventure Team Report #2. We are traveling 14th St and beyond with the Sculptural Acoustic Roller Vessel for Art in Odd Places. We carry 2 vials of water from Day one of my 2,367.4 mile Mississippi River Swim. We are collecting hidden waters between the Hudson and East Rivers.</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">Vials #7 & #8 Oct. 14, 2017 - T. 13:00 Location 40º 43' 28" N. 73º 58' 23" W. Elevation 30' East River Park at 10th St. Present: Dr. David Christenson, and Billy X Curmano.</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">Vial #9 Oct. 14, 2017 - T. 14:29 Location 40º 44' 31" N. 74º 00' 28" W. Elevation 30' Puddle (Street in front of #446 W. 14th St NYC) Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann, Billy X Curmano, Mina Bellavia, Lilith Dorsey and John Pendergast.</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">Not captured, but confirmed water find 3' feet below surface at Washington and W. 14th Street (Unreachable through sewer grate).</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">Vial #10 Oct. 14, 2017 - T. 14:43 Location 40º 44' 25" N 74º 00' 13" W Elevation 40' Bodega #320 W. 14th St Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann, Billy X Curmano, Mina Bellavia, Lilith Dorsey and John Pendergast.</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">Not captured, La Carbonara restaurant patron refuses to share small amount of water for the Expeditionary Art Adventure Team.</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mj _1mf"><span class="_ttu"><span class="_63ey">Keynote address/performance Oct. 14, 2017 - T. 15:30 - Billy X Curmano (Vocal, Ocean Harp and Mbira) John Pendergast (Violin)</span></span></div>
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Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348822017-10-13T19:00:00-05:002022-04-18T09:31:08-05:00Art in Odd Places
<p>The Expeditionary Art Adventure Team Report #1. We are traveling 14th St and beyond with the Sculptural Acoustic Roller Vessel for Art in Odd Places. We carry 2 vials of water from Day one of my 2,367.4 mile Mississippi River Swim. We are collecting hidden waters between the Hudson and East Rivers.</p>
<p><br> Vials #3 & #4 Oct. 12, 2017 - T. 11:46 Location 40º 44' 15"N. 74º 00' 36" S. Elevation 20' Hudson River Park. Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann and Billy X Curmano<span class="text_exposed_show">.</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br> Vial #5 Oct. 12, 2017 - T. 13:10 Location 40º 44' 26" N. 74º 00' 15" W Elevation 40' Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (328 14th St NYC) Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann and Billy X Curmano.</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"><br> Vial #6 Oct. 13, 2017 - T. 17:57 Location 40º 44' 29" N 74º 00' 23" W Arsenal Plastic Construction Barricade between 9th & 10th Avenues, NYC Present: Dr. David Christenson, Margarita Baumann, Billy X Curmano and Bella Via.</span></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348812015-03-17T19:00:00-05:002024-02-12T13:08:38-06:00Rolling Nap Snoozes into Spring
<p>“Relax… Do Less… Save the Planet… It’s not easy,” so says Billy X. Curmano - as American Idle - in the “The 24-hour Worldwide Rolling Nap”. This, his latest multi-layered performance and environmental statement calls for a paradigm shift to a slower pace. Curmano will attempt to bed down March 19<sup>th</sup> at 7:33 a.m. Central Daylight Savings Time and awaken with the 2015 Spring Dawn - 7:33 a.m. March 20<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Naps are personal, but the “How Do You Sleep?” installation will be open for visitation March 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a reception March 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Witoka Contemporary, 27979 County Road 17, Winona, MN USA. The elaborate installation demonstrates just how hard the artist finds slowing down. It includes a Bed of Nails with a Pillow and Blanket of Tiny Tacks. The red steel frame bed has 2,395 galvanized steel 3” roofing nails, the canvas blanket 2,766 galvanized steel ½” cut tacks and the pillow boasts 640 black steel ½” cut tacks. Don’t ask about the Teddy Bear or Kevlar pajamas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Other extended performances from the award-winning artist have included a 40-day Death Valley Desert Fast, a 2,376.4-mile Mississippi River swim and thousands of miles touring on a Greyhound Bus. He’s posted a thought per day without fail since January 1, 2013 about climate disruption to his blog on this site for the “InClimate Project” which is under the auspices of Franklin Furnace (NY). His nap begins with “InClimate Post #808”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Humans probably do the least damage to the environment when they sleep, but modern society knocks out naps, siestas and free time in exchange for dwindling rewards. If everyone worldwide turned off for just an hour each day for a year, the energy savings could be as much as 623,292,349.6 kWh.</p>
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<p>The napping body stays put, but the hours roll around the globe. The Nap Manifesto at <a href="http://www.rollingnap.com" data-imported="1">www.rollingnap.com</a> invites visitors to join the movement with their own idle stories and images or simply by taking a nap.</p>
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<p>“Nonsense wakes up the brain cells.” – Dr. Seuss</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348802014-09-26T19:00:00-05:002022-06-01T01:12:09-05:00Greetings from the Misi-ziibi to Mespaeths
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">In the performance and environmental statement, “Swimmin’ the River”, I swam 2,367.4 miles from the source of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. My support crews and I became Ambassadors for Clean Water as we reclaimed the waterways for life affirming pursuits.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">Cause all things connect to all things</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">Nothing stands by itself all alone</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">Our actions and reactions circulate in rings</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">With consequences often unknown*</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">Since that time, I have done water cleansing rituals mixing waters from day 1 of The Swim with waters around the globe. “Greetings from the Mississippi to the World’s Waterways” included the most distant one, “Greetings from the Mississippi to the Arctic Sea”. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">I slipped over the fence and performed Greetings to the East River late night September 25 near the India Street Ferry Landing, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York. On September 26 we continued with a special case. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">Mespaethes - Great Brook with Tide - Newtown Creek is an Environmental Protection Agency Super Fund Site in recovery. Warnings are still abundant. No swimming, recommended only for experienced boaters and do not touch the water. If you do, wash as soon as possible. Sculptor George Trakas designed a nature walk there and several native species have returned. Earlier, we had witnessed small fish, a crab and a gull bathing in the water.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">I bring “Greetings from Misi-ziibi to Mespaethes” because waters unite to flow with waters. All are subject to the same laws.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing:0.0px">*From “I Think on These Things” free download available in Music</span></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348792014-08-27T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T10:33:34-06:00Billy X. Performs From Within Climate Actions
<p>Art Works USA NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<br><br>Franklin Furnace Alum and InClimate artist, Billy X. Curmano, joins with more than 100 organizations and thousands of people taking part in the People’s Climate March September 21st in New York City. The permit allows the climate marchers to take to the main thoroughfares of Manhattan just two days before President Obama and world leaders gather for an emergency Climate Summit at the United Nations. The NYPD approved route starts at Columbus Circle on Sunday at 11:30 am and continues on 59th Street then down 6th Avenue to 42nd Street and on to 11th Avenue.<br><br>Two dedicated trains and hundreds of buses will bring activists to New York from all over the country. There’s a site to aid with travel and housing in NYC: http://peoplesclimate.org/transportation<br><br>Over 750 organizations world-wide are participating both in and out of NYC with major marches and solidarity events that will make this the largest climate action in history. Talk is cheap. The people are united in a common theme that demands bold action, not just rhetoric, on climate change. In New Delhi, demonstrations begin the day before New York. Australia has marches across the continent with the biggest in Melbourne. Berlin, London and Paris all have major marches scheduled. The list goes on and includes Kathmandu, Rio, Sao Paulo, Jakarta, Dublin, Manila, Seoul, Mumbai and Istanbul. The climate action is anticipated to represent roughly 100 million people around the world.<br><br>In New York, participating organizations include the largest transit workers union, art, student, environmental and religious groups, indigenous peoples and a coalition of buddhist monks. A Peoples Climate Convergence runs from September 19-21 with speakers and teach-ins and a group of artists, Peoples Climate Art, occupied a Brooklyn warehouse to build objects and signage for the march.<br><br>InClimate artist, Billy X. Curmano, intends to blend with other activists and climate specialists at Chicago’s Union Station for a relatively low carbon footprint journey to NY aboard the San Francisco Peoples Climate Train. His daily climate thoughts posted continuously since January 1, 2013 to the blog at www.billyx.net will reach #624 in Chicago. The thoughts range with both good and bad climate news, innovations, what can be done, parables, fables and poetry which are then re-posted to the InClimate Facebook page. From within the Peoples Climate Actions, he will continue the posts along with pop-up live art performances and water rituals. <br><br>Water resources are changing along with the climate from too much - with sea level rise, storms and floods - to - too little with prolonged droughts and contamination. The abundance, absence and changing states of water are apparent in Billy X’s extreme environmental art trilogy. He fasted on only juice and water for 42 days in Death Valley as a comment on overconsumption and the absence of water. He traveled to the Arctic Circle on public transportation to experience its changing states. In aqua abundance, he swam 2,367.4-miles of the Mississippi River from its Minnesota Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico as a performance and environmental statement. Signed and numbered vials with the “Father of Waters” will accompany the artist in rituals that honor water as the source of life.<br><br>InClimate: Climate Change Solutions, Awareness and Action confronts global warming through art by calling upon artists, in collaboration with climate change specialists, to find solutions and antidotes for mitigating or adapting to our world’s most catastrophic problem. Because of the complexity of the subject, each artist or artist team is consulting or collaborating with a climate change specialist from one of the sciences, law, economics, or another appropriate field. Partnering with community organizations, InClimate is going directly to underserved neighborhoods in three boroughs of New York City—including areas most vulnerable. Curator Regina Cornwell conceived and is organizing InClimate under the auspices of Franklin Furnace.<br><br>http://peoplesclimate.org/march/<br><br>http://350.org/about/media/<br><br>http://convergeforclimate.org/home<br><br>http://peoplesclimate.org/arts/<br><br>http://inclimate.org/<br><br>http://www.franklinfurnace.org/</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348782013-07-02T19:00:00-05:002022-04-18T09:33:59-05:00Futurisms Bastard Son at Boswell Book Co.
<p>Billy X. Curmano returns to Milwaukee for the signing and release of his art/adventure book Futurism's Bastard Son at Boswell Book Company, 2559 N. Downer Avenue on August 13 at 7 p.m. The former Milwaukeean is an award winning artist, UWM alumni and combat wounded Vietnam Veteran. He was instrumental in organizing exhibitions at Milwaukee's Broadway Galleries and forming the Wisconsin Art Guild that brought alternative art festivals to Milwaukee, Madison and Manitowoc. <br><br>Futurism's Bastard Son is a kind of coffee table art book with an optional DVD that documents several decades of work from somewhat traditional objects to conceptual plans, performances and intimate musings often with a sly touch of humor. The birth of performance or "live" art is often placed at the feet of the Italian Futurists inspiring the title.<br><br>The book exposes both major and minor works. Curmano was once buried alive for three days in the internationally acclaimed Performance for the Dead. It was followed by a 10-year, 2,367.4-mile lengthwise Mississippi River swim as performance and environmental statement with re-creations in among other places the Milwaukee Art Museum. His search for what separates the masterpiece from the common piece included a 40-day Death Valley Desert Fast. His welded steal Vietnam War inspired sculpture, Tiger Cage on Wheels, was a familiar site around UWM and went on to exhibitions in Minneapolis and at the New Orleans Contemporary Art Center. There are plenty of odds and ends like Arbitrary Time Zones, In Case I should Ever Be Murdered and Live Art for cows and other under-served audiences.<br><br>Futurism's Bastard Son was published by Mark Pezinger Verlag – Vienna and released in Kassel, Germany parallel to the international art exposition Documenta 13. The US release followed at the Museum of Modern Art's New York Art Book Fair. It's an artist's life as art in 164 black and white images, poetry and text on 115-gram Munken Lynx paper with stitched thread binding and French Flap covers designed by Astrid Seme. The hard copy is relatively guilt free. Curmano spent several years as a tree planter.<br><br>The optional DVD, with original score, includes a singular moment from each day of the Death Valley Desert Fast, scenes from the live burial, a short clip in which the Earth Speaks - literally - and the Henry Hampton award winning documentary Swimming the Mississippi.<br><br></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348772013-04-28T19:00:00-05:002022-05-26T02:47:13-05:00Barbatus Joins Art Works USA
<p>The Terra Linguistic Institute of Art Works USA is pleased to announce the addition to the staff of noted Professor, scientist and planetarian Dianthus Barbatus. His work translating warnings and environmental messages from Mother Earth were first immortalized in the video short, "Earth Speaks".</p>
<p>He's been quoted as saying, "As I witness what has been happening to our planet, our space craft and dear Mother Earth, primarily because of ignorance and greed from my own species, I have become much more of a planetarian than humanitarian."</p>
<p>Welcome home Professor Barbatus.</p>
<p>Earth Speaks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URMeBd2qe_A</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348762013-04-14T19:00:00-05:002021-07-10T11:04:48-05:00Mark Pezinger Verlag Adopts "A"
<p>Mark Pezinger Verlag presents Adoptives.<br><br>Our new category, "Adoptives", is a selection of artists` books that have already been published or self-published, but are not available or accessible anymore. We have adopted at least some of these rare or forgotten works in our program to make them visible again. <br><br>For further information www.markpezinger.de/adoptives.html<br><br>Adoptive 1: Billy X. Curmano, A volume 1#1<br>"A volume 1 #1" was an experiment. Each contributor was given total artistic freedom within the technical and budgetary limitations of the print format available to us in 1973. The Franklin Speed Press was not exceptionally speedy. It consisted of a single pressman that had access to a commercial print shop after hours. "A volume 1 #1" was collated and center stapled one by one by hand. Although I was somewhat pleased with the results, I had originally hoped to produce an alphabet of the volumes, A, B, C and so on and on. But then I realized, at least for the moment, I was satisfied. I came to my senses and moved on. (Billy X. Curmano, January 2013)<br>24 pp., b/w, letter format, published in 1973, Milwaukee, USA, Edition of 350 or 500 copies, 50 copies left, 25€<br><br></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348752013-02-07T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:06-06:00NYC
<p>I'm in NYC for another doozy of a storm. Internet in my room is down. I'll have to walk to keep that InClimate promise of a thought on Climate Change per day.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348742012-11-08T18:00:00-06:002024-01-11T08:23:35-06:00Works on Water
<p>I'm in Berkeley enjoying life between here and San Francisco before the reception in Novato for <em>Works on Water</em> at the Marin Community Foundation. There are seven images from <em>Swimming the Mississippi</em> included in the exhibition of artists concerned with water issues. Glad to be among them. I haven't been to Frisco in years and decided this was the time to stop by.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348732012-10-04T19:00:00-05:002022-04-25T02:48:35-05:00NY Art Book Fair MOMA, P.S. 1
<p>I just returned from the U.S. release of "Futurism's Bastard Son" at the Museum of Modern Art, P.S. 1, New York Art Book Fair. The publisher sold out the editions they had on hand and I delivered a few more copies. Things went well. Books are now in some select venues in Europe and NYC. We're working on wider U.S. distribution, but until then, send your checks $38.50 (Book $30 plus $8.50 s/h) to Art Works USA (MN residents add sales tax) or go to the publisher's site at the links page.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348722012-09-09T19:00:00-05:002022-05-12T04:05:49-05:00Futurism's Bastard Son Available Now
<p>Go to Objects Page to see how you can be the first on your block with this landmark edition.</p>
<p>"Futurism's Bastard Son" documents several decades of eccentric work from somewhat traditional objects to conceptual plans and live art. It includes 3-days buried alive, a lengthwise Mississippi River swim as performance and environmental statement, 40-day Death Valley Desert Fast and performances for cows and other under-served audiences.<br>Published by Mark Pezinger Verlag – Vienna and released in Kassel, Germany parallel to Documenta, August, 2012. The US release is at the Museum Of Modern Art, P.S. 1, during the “New York Art Book Fair” - September 27-30.<br><br>The publisher and I chose quality over quantity, with a good paper, Munken Lynx, and stitched thread binding. (Pages: 115 grams Cover: 300 grams) It’s an artist’s life as art in 128 letter size pages with 164 black and white images and French Flap Covers. The text is in English from multiple sources including my own words. Design: Astrid Seme. <br><br>A collectors Edition of 50 copies includes a signed and numbered hand stamped folder with an artist altered world map showing the Mississippi River swim.<br><br>The process:<br>The publisher and designer contacted me after a performance in Vienna. I gave them access to my files. They did additional research and produced the volume. They used my three major works from “The Search DVD”, the Mississippi River swim, Death Valley desert fast and Three-day live burial, as pillars to build the book around, but it includes so much more from early works to the present.</p>
<p>Go to Objects Page to see how you can be the first on your block with this landmark edition.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348712012-07-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:05-06:00Futurism's Bastard Son
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</p>
<p>Publication of <em><strong>BILLY X. CURMANO FUTURISM’S BASTARD SON</strong></em><em><strong> </strong></em><br>Mark Pezinger Verlag announces the publication and European release of <em><strong>Billy X. Curmano Futurism’s Bastard Son</strong></em> at Kunstverein Kassel parallel to the international art exposition <em><strong>Documenta</strong></em> in Kassel, Germany, August 8, 2012. The U.S. release is scheduled for the <em><strong>New York Art Book Fair</strong></em>, Museum of Modern Art, P.S. 1, Long Island City, September 27, 2012. Curmano will perform at both receptions <br><br>During the life of an artist countless photos are taken, numerous videos are shot and plenty of text is written. In the case of a performance artist this material is even more extensive and also more important, because it provides witness to past events. <em><strong>Futurism’s Bastard Son</strong></em> documents selected major and minor works spanning several decades of output from this very eccentric Italian-American artist, who in addition to producing traditional objects has been buried alive, swam the length of the Mississippi River and often performs for cows and other under-served audiences in what is sometimes referred to as “Performance or Live Art”. Art historians often place the birth of this form with the Italian Futurists.<br><br>The World Wide Web allowed artist publisher Thomas Geiger and graphic designer Astrid Semme free access to Curmano’s archives. With his cooperation, a transatlantic collaboration evolved and resulted in <em><strong>Billy X. Curmano Futurism’s Bastard Son</strong></em>. It tells of an artist’s life as art in 128 pages with text from multiple sources and 164 black and white images. The text was culled from the artist’s own writings and project plans, lyrics, video transcriptions, reviews, articles and exhibition catalogs. The volume is letter sized with stitched binding and French flaps on both covers. An artist’s edition of fifty copies includes a signed and numbered artist-altered world map from Swimming the Mississippi.<br><br><em>He’s the only human being in recorded history to claim the distinction of swimming the entire length of the Mississippi River. He was buried alive for three days in a much ballyhooed effort to bring art to the spirit world that included a New Orleans-style funeral complete with Christlike resurrection. He once imprisoned himself in a tiger cage to protest the inhumane treatment of POWs in Vietnam. Maverick? Eccentric? Full-blown madman? Billy X. Curmano will be delighted to let you decide.</em> - Mary Beth Crain, <em><strong>LA Weekl</strong></em>y, 1999<br><br>Editing: Billy X. Curmano, Thomas Geiger, Astrid Seme<br>Graphic Design: Astrid Seme<br>Language: English<br>22 × 28 cm, 128 p., stitched binding, edition: 500, 24 € <br>Paper: Munken Lynx<br>Cover: 300 grams Pages: 115 grams<br>Artist edition: 50 / 500, includes a drawing by the artist<br><br>http://www.markpezinger.de/Futurisms_Bastard_Son.html<br><br>In honour of this occasion we would like invite you to our exhibition at the Kasseler Kunstverein where Billy X. Curmano performs during the opening night:<br><br>Mark Pezinger Verlag <br>reading disorders thinking out loud<br>Kasseler Kunstverein<br>August 8th - 20th<br><br><strong>August 8th, 8pm: Live Performance by Billy X. Curmano<br>August 10th, 8pm: Discussion with Billy X. Curmano, Astrid Seme, and Thomas Geiger about Futurism's Bastard Son and the double-edged relation between performance art and its documentation.</strong><br><br></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348702012-04-26T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:05-06:00Soul Fire 4 the Gulf
<p> I recently returned from Soul Fire 4 the Gulf, a healing ceremony inspired by New Orleans Medicine Person and Musician Dr. John. For the uninformed, he’s a 60‘s music legend whose latest album, “Locked Down”, has been referred to as “inspired voodoo-gumbo jazz funk” with a top rating in “Rolling Stone”. <br> Soul Fire was a heartfelt and almost indescribable experience. In Solidarity and Support of Dr. John’s vision, Turtle Women Rising and the tribal communities of Isle de Jean Charles, Pointe aux Chien, the Dulac Bands of the Biloxi, Chitimacha, Choctaw and the Atakapa Ishak Tribe joined in unity to welcome the Grandmothers, Elders and People of All Nations to support a Stand For The Earth in Mandeville and New Orleans, Louisiana.<br> On Monday April 16 the ceremonial fire, drums and songs began a 3-day, 24-hour continual sacred prayer of healing from an encampment at Fontainebleau State Park near Mandeville, LA-“for the Land, the Waters, the Critters and the People of the Gulf.” On Friday, the drum circle and ceremony moved to New Orleans and a traditional second line to the Mississippi River.<br> Personally, I was honored to be invited. I participated in the drumming, dancing, songs and prayers and performed water ceremonies with the ocean harp at the encampment and afterwards in the second line at the New Orleans River Front. I walked the perimeter, explored Bayou Cane, a grandmother tree and ancient mounds. I spoke with alligators, frogs and other creatures and met many new friends. I even became a reluctant truck driver running gear from Mandeville to New Orleans in a rented 17-footer. I played a final show with some Soul Fire Folks at Snake and Jakes Christmas Club Lounge on Oak Street before a sleepless night and way early morning flight back to Minnesota.<br>There were brief moments with grandma Margaret and other elders, time with Imani and Bellavia and a nice walk with Dr. John when he asked about my water harp and said – “That’s some hip shit.”<br><br></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348692012-02-26T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:05-06:00Billy X Proclamation NADD
<p>NATIONAL ARTIST DINNER DAY (NADD)<br><br>" Take an Artist Out to Dinner Day"<br>or in exception <br>"Bring Them Home to a Lavish Feast Day"<br><br>Proclamation:<br> <br>Whereas: I, Billy X Curmano, doth hereby and with out prejudice proclaim myself "Artist of the year for 2012"<br><br> And <br><br>Whereas: I, Billy X Curmano, have accepted the aforesaid mantle "2012 Artist of the Year" and thereby assuming all the solemn duties, honors and responsibilities that are encumbered in said title.<br><br>Whereas: The aforesaid mantle carries the solemn and austere responsibility of occasional proclamations, diatribes and pronouncements concerning the arts and the state of said arts therein<br><br>Whereas: American culture beatifies, and thus esteems said art with its storage, valuation, and display in what are held to be deemed the "New Cathedrals" while the artist as creator of said art rarely earns more than a modest living from their afore mentioned art <br><br>Whereas: The words "Starving" and "Artist" are unfortunately, oft times joined and co-opted in so called "Starving Artist Shows" for execution of the sale of mass produced consumer items passed off to an unknowing and unsuspecting public as fine art<br><br>Whereas: The 2012 Artist of the year here-to-for proclaims the first Wednesday of each month be deemed " Take an artist out to dinner day" or in exception "bring them home to a lavish feast day".<br><br>This proclamation is there by witnessed and a judged viable and in effect from this day and to the expiration of my term as 2012 artist of the year and beyond.<br><br>On this date, February 24, 2012, at this hour 17:47 Pacific Standard Time, I, Billy X. Curmano, "2012 Artist of the Year", do hereby with intent affix sign, validate and witness this proclamation.<br><br>Billy X. Curmano, "2012 Artist of the Year" <br>February 24, 2012<br><br>Addendum: For the purposes of this document, the term artist shall be understood to refer to all art workers in the visual, literary and performing arts.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348682012-02-26T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:05-06:00Artist of the Year Billy X Ejected
<p>A security team at the Los Angeles Convention Center ejected self-appointed "2012 Artist of the Year" Billy X. Curmano from the Book and Trade Fair of the College Art Association 100th Annual Conference while he was attempting to deliver his first official proclamation meant to establish the first Wednesday of each and every month, "Take an Artist Out to Dinner Day" or in exception "Bring them Home to a Lavish Feast Day". The College Art Association (CAA) Annual Conference was chosen as the venue for this bold proclamation because of its prominence as the world's largest forum for the visual arts and Mr. Curmano's long standing with the organization.<br><br>In the traditions of Art, Dada, Fluxus and the Italian Futurists, Mr. Curmano attempted to present the document during an "Unauthorized Reception" with the assistance of the Reverend Doctor Kenneth Patrick Payne. Rules will be rules and institutional bureaucracy interrupted (or became part of) the Live Art attempt at the academic gathering. After brief negotiations, Paul Skiff, assistant director for the annual conference, agreed to announce the continuation of Mr. Curmano's performance at the Lobby Court Bar of the conference headquarters hotel in exchange for a quiet and peaceful resolution. The artists were willingly escorted from the hall without further incident and reestablished the performance with a more subdued tone at the new location.<br><br>After a brief introduction, the "Take an Artist Out to Dinner Day" or in exception "Bring them Home to a Lavish Feast Day" proclamation was read, witnessed and signed with assurances it's content would be widely dispersed. The somewhat wordy title is sometimes simply shortened to National Artists Dinner Day or NADD and is meant to include all artists, art workers and arty types in the visual, literary and performing arts.<br><br>Mr. Curmano has been recognized for these kinds of activities in the past. In fact, the College Art Association collected documentation from his unauthorized work, "The Homeless Hilton; N.Y., N.Y., performed at the CAA 1990 Annual Conference in New York City for their official archive. He has also volunteered his writing to the CAA Art Journal and his expertise as a panelist for the organization. Reached for comment a slightly miffed Curmano said, "See if I ever give these guys another free unauthorized performance."</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348672012-01-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:05-06:00About That Artist of The Year
<p>I awoke elated as "2012 Artist of the Year" (Please See: Entry 12/30/2011), but as the tremendous responsibility became ever more clear I sunk once again into a depression - so much so - that I decided to put the coroner on speed dial.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348662011-12-29T18:00:00-06:002022-05-29T13:41:51-05:00Billy X. Named Artist of the Year
<p>In a highly unorthodox move, Minnesota artist Billy X. Curmano has named himself "2012 Artist of the Year" and not just in Minnesota but in the whole world wide world (wwww). The announcement was made in January, but because of the artist's busy schedule the award ceremony will be held much later in the year. Unlike similar "of the year" awards, this one avoids the long wait and jump starts 2012. The distinction of this prestigious award and honorary title is augmented with a $100,000 cash component he plans to pay himself over numerous monthly installments.</p>
<p><br>Reached for comment in New York City, artist and Franklin Furnace founding director, Martha Wilson was quoted as saying, " Billy Curmano is a world-class artist whose work Franklin Furnace has presented and produced four times: On February 26, 1988 he performed “Performance Pod” in our performance space; on February 14, 1990 at the Hilton Hotel in mid-town Manhattan he performed “Homeless Hilton”; on July 23, 1997 Franklin Furnace screened “Swimming the Mississippi,” documentation of his decade-long effort to swim the entire length of the Mississippi River; and on October 29, 1999 we netcast this videotape to a worldwide audience through a collaboration with Pseudo Programs, Inc. Franklin Furnace’s artists are selected by peer review panels from among hundreds of proposals received each year from around the world, a testament to how important the artworld feels his work to be. I think it is only fitting that be he selected as “Artist of the Year.”</p>
<p><br>Samples of some of these works can be experienced at the artists web address http://www.billyx.net The former Milwaukeean moved to an isolated farmhouse in the Minnesota outback to develop what he hoped would be a singular style unaffected by the whims and trends of the art world. Circumstances have returned him to a slightly larger community in Witoka. When contacted at his rural studio for this announcement, Curmano was apparently unaware he was even being considered for the award. He simply stated, "I'm truly humbled by this totally unexpected honor. There are so many more deserving artists whole world wide (www)."</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348652011-12-26T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00PANik 3 Vienna
<p>The Performance Art Network (PAN) in Vienna featured Billy (USA) along with Katrin Herznern (Germany), Julia Klarig and Andrea Salzman (Austria), UpStage (New Zealand) and Pascale Grau (Switzerland) in PANik3, an evening of work intended "to transact aspects of documentation". The players had a full house that remained well into the evening discussing art theory. Maybe it's the water.</p>
<p>When he brings his works into formal spaces, Billy often refers to it as documenting performance in performance - or as the Viennese program noted, "Here the term 'live' and 'not-live' is disputable from scratch. For Billy X. Curmano art equals life. His performances mostly happen on imponderable terrain. In order to reach a live audience, he translates the past event for and on another stage." - Veronika Merklein.</p>
<p>A Book???<br>The PANik 3 performance also led to a new project with a Viennese Publishing House for experimental artists' books. It will be a 3-way collaboration between Billy, artist/publisher Thomas Geiger and artist/designer Astrid Seme. The publisher's stated intent is to show the breadth and diversity of Billy's work from performance, painting and sculpture to video, post cards and even T-shirts, to a "younger, European audience". The 3 already have a drop box on the web to share work and ideas. After the European publication the files may be used to publish an American version.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348642011-09-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Vienna/Wien - Wasser/Water
<p>"Wasser"<br> <br>Kurze Beschreibung<br> <br>Vom Wasserüberfluss zum Wassermangel und den verschiedenen Aggregatszuständen des Wassers mischt "Wasser" Videoabschnitte, live Musik,”Performance Tricks” und Tagebucheintragungen von Extremprojekten in der Umwelt, welche die fast obsessive und manchmal sehr gefährliche Verbindung mit dem Wasser, unserer wertvollsten Resource, betont.<br><br>“Water”<br><br>Describe your performance shortly<br><br> From the abundance of water to its absence and changing states, "Water" mixes video footage, live music, performance tricks and journal entries from extreme projects in the environment that illuminate one artist's almost obsessive and sometimes quite dangerous connection with water, our most precious resource.<br> <br>Paragraph über Ihre Arbeit<br> <br>Oft malen Künstler ihre Phantasien - ich aber versuche meine Phantasien zu leben. Ich tue dies, indem ich Kunstabenteuer an einsamen Orten arrangiere.<br>Ich erschaffe diese Vorstellungen der live art neu in den Darbietungsräumen und erreiche so mehr Publikum - Eine Performance der Performance. (Eine Aufführung der Aufführung).<br> <br>One statement about your work<br><br>Artists often paint fantasies. I've tried to live mine through performance art adventures frequently in remote locations. I re-create these fantasies and expand the audience through live art events in formal spaces that document performance in performance.<br> <br>Paragraph über das Thema Performance und Dokumentation<br> <br>Live art ist oft diffus und schwer zu erfassen und schwer zu verstehen, wenn man nicht dabei sein kann. Das dokumentarische Festhalten der Vorstellung während der Darbietung/Aufführung macht einen neuen live art "Moment" möglich, der eigentlich schon einmal statt gefunden hat und jetzt neu erschaffen und lebendig wird, und so wieder zu einem neuen Moment wird, zu einem neuen Erlebnis im Moment. Am Ende sind dies alles nur eingeritzte Spuren, um zu beweisen, dass wir existieren. <br> <br>One statement about the topic of performance and documentation<br><br>Live art is often elusive and difficult to fully appreciate without actually witnessing it during performance. Documenting performance in performance creates a new live art moment that illuminates a previous point in time while becoming simply another point in time. In the end, it is all just tracks scratched to prove we exist.<br><br>Seite 3 Neue Uebersetzung<br><br>"Swimming the River" (Durchchwimmen des Flusses)<br><br>"Swimming the River" war ein ueber 10 Jahre andauerndes, 3809.96 Kilometer langes Durchschwimmen des Mississippi - von der Quelle bis zum Golf von Mexiko - sowohl als Performance als auch um Aufmerksamkeit auf die Verschmutzung des Wassers und der Umwelt im allgemeinen zu lenken. Nationen zeigen ihre Eroberungern indem sie ihre Flaggen aufstellen. Ich aber wollte den Mississippi zurueckerobern zu seiner lebensbejahenden Bestimmung,<br>indem ich die ganze Laenge unter dem Banner der Kunst durchschwamm.<br><br>“Swimming the River” was a ten year, 3,809.96-kilometer swim from the source of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico as both performance and environmental statement. Nations have claimed territory by posting flags. I wanted to re-claim the Mississippi for life-affirming pursuits by swimming its length under the banner of art.<br><br>Das Zen von einem muehsamen Schwimmzug zum nächsten, teilte den Nordamerikanischen Kontinent in gleich verblassenden Pinselstrichen in welcher sich eine einzige Form (die meines Koerpers) immer wieder, in der sich staendig veraendernden Landschaft, wiederholte. (Eine sich staendige aendernde Leinwand - die Schwimmzuege die Pinselstriche die sofort verschwinden) Die Zerbrechlichkeit der menschlichen Form im Kontrast zu den Naturgewalten und den Schifffahrtswegen veranlasste viele Zuschauer sich entlang des Ufers zu versammeln, von Bruecken zuzuschauen und in Booten und Kanus dem Schwimmer streckenweise auf dem Wasser zu folgen - wie eine Art Pilgerreise, die die Zuschauer durch oft entlegene und schwer erreichbare Gegenden fuehrte.<br><br>The Zen of stroke after tedious stroke bisected the continent with impermanent brush like strokes that followed a single form (My body) repeated through an ever-changing landscape. The fragility of the human form contrasted by the powers of nature and shipping lanes compelled audiences to line riverbanks, watch from bridges and follow by boat in a kind of art pilgrimage through often remote locations.<br><br>Gegenstaende und Eindrücke auf elektronische Medien gebannt, im Verlaufe des Schwimmens gesammelt und erstellt, wurden und werden waehrend der Perfromances und Ausstellungen immer wieder genutzt und eingesetzt, um mehr Publikum zu erreichen, den Geist zu erweitern und so das Abenteuer vom Ufer des Mississippi in die leichter erreichbaren Auditorien zu bringen.<br><br>“Objects and electronic media collected and created in the course of a swim” were then used in performances and exhibitions to expand the audience and bring the spirit of adventure from the banks of the Mississippi River to more accessible formal spaces.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348632011-08-15T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Billy X to Vienna
<p>I've been selected to perform a solo work based on my "Water Trilogy" for "PANik 3 Performance as Documentation" on Sept. 26 at the Depot in Vienna, Austria.</p>
<p>It's especially sweet because - way, way back - my paintings were selected by an international jury to be among those representing the USA in the III Vienna Graphikbiennale. I was honored and flew off to Europe. As a young pup, I wanted to see everything. I traveled around and - it's a long story, but suffice to say I ended up in Vienna a day late for the opening. I bet I'll get there on time - this time. If you have any Euro contacts that may be interested in my work - let me know.</p>
<p><br>"PANik 3 Performance as Documentation" also includes: Julia Klaring/Andrea Salzman (Austria), Katrin Herzner (Germany), Upstage (New Zealand) and Pascale Grau (Switzerland).</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348622011-02-24T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00DVD Release & Poppa Neutrino Memorial
<p>The release of Billy X Curmano's 3 major works onto a feature length DVD - Live Art - "THE SEARCH" will be celebrated at Ed's No Name Bar, Franklin and Third Streets in downtown Winona, MN - March 5th beginning with a screening at 8 p.m. and followed by and evening with the New X Art Ensemble. The gathering will include a memorial for former band mate and trans-atlantic adventurer Poppa Neutrino also known as William David Pearlman. New Xer's, Steve Smith and Billy X., journeyed to New Orleans for Poppa's second line and returned from the jazz funeral with a few more stories, images and items to share. Appropriately, Poppa Neutrino recorded "The River Meets the Sea" with New X during his days in Winona. It was inspired by adventures that included his Atlantic Ocean crossing on a raft made from scrap materials and Billy's swim from the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, MN to the Gulf of Mexico.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348612011-02-09T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Live Art "THE SEARCH" on DVD
<p>Announcing the release of Billy X Curmano's: Live Art "THE SEARCH" on DVD. Sales and 2 Min. Trailer available online at:<br><br>http://www.filmbaby.com/films/5428<br> <br>My DVD's have usually been released as handmade one-offs with a price tag to match. The Search is a compilation disc with 3 major works - the 2,367.4-mile Mississippi River Swim, 40-day Death Valley Desert Fast and 3-day live burial - replicated in larger quantities to make them more accessible. <br>A camera exposes the rough edges of "life as art" through extreme performances in the environment while searching for that indefinable quality that separates the masterpiece from everyday art. With a nod to Kandinsky, the DVD is subtitled "The Search for the Spiritual in Art". It is more about art, a vision quest or warrior's journey than religion. It is archived by the Museum of Modern Art Library in NYC and other prestigious collections.<br>As a bonus, "The Search" replaces the traditional short sound loop on standard menu pages with a complete composition from Threat Level 3's "Orange Alert". Don't worry you can still start whenever you like, but when you pop in a disc and have to wait for folks to settle in - you'll have a relaxing jazz interlude. A short translation of a missive from Mother Earth by The Terralinquistic Institute of Art Works USA follows the final credits. There's an original score throughout and an eco-friendly package design in collaboration with John O'Hara. A huge assortment of volunteer artists, musicians and ambassadors for art and the environment fill out the cast and crew. <br> <br>The compilation includes:<br>PERFORMANCE FOR THE DEAD (14 Min.) The artist spent the last 3 days of a 7-day fast buried alive in absolute darkness seeking visions and hints of the other side. What was performed for the dead is left to the imagination, but elaborate trappings for the live audience included a New Orleans style Jazz Funeral.<br>SWIMMING THE MISSISSIPPI (29 Min.) a 2,367.4-mile Mississippi River swim from its source at Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of about 30% of the earth's equatorial diameter. The Swim was never intended to be an athletic event, but rather - an intermix of art and life expressing an ecological imperative. It teetered between the Zen of stroke after tedious stroke and near death emergencies to the humor and absurdity of performance sculpture like the "X3C Polluted Water Wear" making a serious statement about water quality. The documentation was awarded the Henry Hampton Award for Excellence in Film & Digital Media.<br>DEATH VALLEY DESERT CLASSIC (42 Min. 22 Sec.) Still searching, Billy X. abandoned the traditional storyboard and limited recording to just a singular moment from each 24 hours of a 40-day desert fast in the extremes of Death Valley. The 40 some minutes in 40 days premiered in Los Angeles without the benefit of editing. A fasting body and brain, the environment, creatures, visitors - the forces of the valley... and of the spirit - directed the taping to create the third leg of this fine art trilogy.<br> <br>Contains: Brief Nudity (Don't worry, Not Billy)<br><br>How to order:<br>$25.00 per copy includes shipping and handling<br>But wait<br>Double the money<br>and we'll double the offer<br>Send $50.00<br>And we'll send two copies<br>But that's not all - "Orange Alert" from Threat Level 3 (regularly $15.00) will be included absolutely FREE with double orders.<br>Send check or money order payable to:<br><br>Art Works USA<br>27979 County Road 17<br>Winona, MN 55987<br><br>(Taxes/shipping etc. included)<br>THE SEARCH is also available online from:<br><br>In Winona, MN - Available at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Blue Heron Gallery.<br> <br>For serious collectors, the first 100 copies have been hand signed and numbered by the artist and are available for $125 each.<br><br>Outlaw art: Purchase of this DVD could be a wise decision. Segments were shot clandestinely and without proper authorization. It could one day be pulled from the market and become extremely rare and valuable.<br><br>Amused journalists have dubbed him, "The Court Jester of Southeastern Minnesota" with comparisons to P.T. Barnum, Andy Warhol and Marcel Duchamp.<br><br></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348602011-01-29T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Poppa Sails On
<p>My dear friend and collaborator Poppa Neutrino passed away on January 23. A jazz funeral is planned for him on Bourbon St. - Probably Feb. 19. I thought you may want to know. <br><br>New X will dedicate our next weekly session to his loving memory (Thurs. Feb 3). <br><br>Here's just a couple of sites that speak of his work:<br><br>http://www.poppaneutrino.com/<br><br>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppa_Neutrino<br><br></p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348592011-01-24T18:00:00-06:002022-05-26T02:55:53-05:00Frozed Up
<p>I'll be returning to my roots with a silly performance piece, "Frozed Up", for the Frozen River Film Festival Fringe Friday this week. I've been in the deep freeze of a kind of hard MN winter and busy, busy with a new DVD release to be announced very soon - after I defrost.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348582010-10-26T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Billy X Incidental Music/MAEP Annual Meeting
<p>I'll be playing electric dulcimer to help open the annual meeting of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts on Oct. 30. I've been an elected artists' panel member for the last two years choosing exhibitions and trying to keep this great program running smoothly. It's the only program of its kind in a major museum in the United States. It has two dedicated galleries within the institution that are totally curated by artists selected from the MN arts community. It will be bitter sweet attending my last meeting as a panelist. MN artists come out and vote for the new panel 10:00 a.m. Saturday.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348572010-10-11T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Walking the Woods
<p>It always saddens me as the weather makes swimming in rivers, lakes and streams more of an ordeal than a great pleasure. Then, I usually resort to satisfying my call of the wild impulses with walks in the woods. Sometimes I just start out walking in whatever direction I choose. When I tire, I backtrack. I spend the day or night trying to interact with creatures I meet. The last few days I've explored in a couple of directions from my home, as well as with side trips to The Great Bluffs and Whitewater State Parks. It offers a grand feeling of renewal and makes me wonder why we think we can divide the earth into parcels, states and even countries.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348562010-08-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Swimming in that old Mississippi
<p>I've been swimming in the river as much as I am able. Yesterday, a bald eagle sat perched in an outlook - close at hand - yet high above me. Then there was the magic of turtles ploop, ploop. plooping off their logs into the river as I approached.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348552010-07-17T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:04-06:00Enlightenment
<p>If you have to travel a distance for enlightenment, perhaps you aren't paying attention.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348542010-07-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Kingly Duties Swimming Man Festival
<p>The 2,367.4-mile Mississippi River Swim has made me the focus of some attention. The latest came in the form of a phone call from Poppa Neutrino. I was honored when he asked if I would serve as king of the first “Swimming Man Festival” in Burlington, VT. I asked what that meant. He said come to Burlington and perform. I said, “Okay.”</p>
<p>Margarita Baumann became queen. We motored from Winona, MN to Manitowoc, WI and boarded the SS Badger for a 4-hour Lake Michigan crossing landing at Ludington, MI. We took the bridge into Canada at Port Huron intending Toronto, but the border officials informed us of 500 arrests at the G-8 Conference. Not wanting to risk delays, we detoured down to Niagara Falls to become quite touristy. Then it was up to Montreal for a fine view of the St. Lawrence Seaway from Mount Royal. About 90 miles heading stateside and another, but much shorter, ferry crossing and we arrived in Burlington on June 30.</p>
<p>After a morning show interview on public radio, I joined Poppa Neutrino and helped put some finishing touches on the raft/stage. I joined the crew paddling it to North Beach. It turned into a two-day project with a bit of weather and waves slowing us down. I jumped in to recover my blown away Panama hat with good result. The Lake Champlain waters were refreshing even though I lost a pair of glasses.</p>
<p>Long-time-running musical partner, John Pendergast, drove in from New Haven, CT with his violin and guitar. We ended our “Swimming Man” set with the “River Rap” and I threw myself into the lake to bring the re-claiming the waters and its environmental statement home. There were too many other performers to keep straight – just let it be said – it was a great time. Aerialists from NYC flew above the raft twisting and turning down the red silks crowning the stage. The vessel had been strategically anchored at North Beach to take advantage of the large crowds that always gathered for the fireworks displays. The jugglers, dancers and all the players and performers joined together during a dance jam as the night sky exploded with color. We stayed over an extra night for my final kingly duties and a screening of “Swimming the Mississippi” and “Death Valley Desert Classic” at Radio Bean. I hung up my crown and became homeward bound, but the activities will continue all summer in Burlington. Check out a couple of images in the photo gallery and get on over there.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348532010-06-23T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Swimming Man Festival
<p>We are blasting off for Manitowoc, WI and the SS Badger across Lake Michigan. Then, it's a run through Canada and set down at the Swimming Man Festival in Burlington, VT over the 4th of July Week end. I'll be doing some solo music and performance art. On the 4th of July John Pendergast and I will re-unite as Amanita ( Check out our CD at CD Baby). Poppa Neutrino has been active organizing the festival, so chances are pretty good I will be sitting in on some of his sets - or he on mine - or whatever the heck you want to call it.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348522010-06-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00A Favorite Thing
<p> Long ago, I had my blood drawn and spilled in an anti-war performance called “Bloodbath”. The site of the carnage was a small theatre (72 seat) in little old Winona, MN, USA. Dr. Dawn Perlmutter wrote a paper about the use of blood in art and included “Bloodbath”. Her words were published by the UCLA “Journal of Anthropoetics” as “The Sacrificial Aesthetic: Blood Rituals from Art to Murder”.</p>
<p> Years later, those words were re-born in “Euro-Arts” magazine. Earlier this year - and completely out of the blue - I was contacted by the features editor from a Chinese magazine and asked if there were any images available from “Bloodbath”. I dug through my archives, found and sent them off. “Bloodbath” appeared in the April issue of China’s “Vision” magazine. With each publication, it feels as though the work has been re-created. It’s found it’s way around 3 continents.</p>
<p> Probably like many artists, I have read about myself in a number of magazines in a number of languages. With my limited knowledge of western languages, I have often been able to figure out what was said.</p>
<p> I must say this is my very favorite article. I can’t figure out what the heck has been written. I can make out the title, my name and the names of my friends that helped make “Bloodbath” a reality because those items appear in English, but the rest is all Greek – oops! – I meant Chinese – to me.</p>
<p><strong><em>Vision,</em></strong> April 2010, Youth Vision Magazine, Beijing, China, 2010</p>
<p><strong><em>EuroArt</em></strong>, Issue 09, Winter 2009, EuroArt Web Magazine, Europe, 2009</p>
<p><strong><em>Anthropoetics 5</em></strong>, no. 2, Fall 1999 / Winter 2000, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 1999</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348512010-06-11T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Swimming Man Festival
<p>Burlington, VT is hosting its first Swimming Man Festival. They hope it will develop as a people's festival in much the same way as "Burning Man". They've set up a free camping area and plan for performances on rafts in Lake Champlain at a local theater and over their radio network. The grand adventurer, performance artist and musician, Poppa Neutrino, is among the organizers. They've selected me to be "King" of this first festival. I'm not sure what that means, but I'll be performing in July - dates etc. TBA.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348502010-04-06T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Flying Monkeys
<p>New X premiered a new number, "Flying Monkeys Bit My Face", on March 25th. We planned to introduce it at Ed's (One of our favorite venues), but I found there was a Winona Arts Commission Public Forum at the City Hall. "Flying Monkeys" has to do with my recent diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) brought on by WAR.</p>
<p>After a slight break with reality, I designed a new wearable art work. It's a fully formal strait jacket with a lovely satin collar. I attended the Art's Commission Forum with saxophone great Steve Smith wielding a video camera and Dr. David Christenson, M.D. as my attendant.</p>
<p>After about 3 minutes of my ranting and raving about the condition of the arts in Winona, MN before an apparently somewhat baffled group of Arts Commissioners, Dr. David Christenson, M.D. approached from behind and tapped me on the shoulder. He administered several unidentifiable pills and secured me in the formal strait jacket.</p>
<p>I apologized to the entire room and was led off. There was laughter and applause. We went to Ed's and repeated the performance during an extended "Flying Monkeys Bit My Face". Go to my links for the video on You Tube.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348492010-03-23T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Futurist Influences
<p>I've been silent for awhile, but the band is at Ed's tomorrow night and we are introducing a new performative twist. It reminded me of my Futurist roots.</p>
<p>Here's a quote I thought you might enjoy:<br> "We Futurists have deeply loved and enjoyed the harmonies of the great masters. For many years Beethoven and Wagner shook our nerves and hearts. Now we are satiated and WE FIND MORE ENJOYMENT IN THE COMBINATION OF THE NOISES OF TRAMS, BACKFIRING MOTORS, CARRIAGES AND BAWLING CROWDS THAN IN REHEARING, for example, THE 'EROICA' OR THE 'PASTORAL'.<br> We cannot see that enormous apparatus of force that the modern orchestra represents without the most profound and total disillusion at the paltry acoustic results. Do you know of any sight more ridiculous than that of twenty men furiously bent on redoubling the mewing of a violin?"<br> From The Art Of Noises (extracts) 1913 Luigi Russolo A reply to press comment on lectures given by the writer at the 1912 Futurist exhibition in Brussels and Paris. These words once excited me - I hope they do you. Tanto amore.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348482010-01-24T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Midnight babylon
<p>I've updated everything, but here's an old review of the old Midnight Babylon:
"In 'Midnight Babylon" the audience looked on as the artist - awakened by a nightmare - spent a sleepless night recalling nightmares and ruminating on the horrors and humor of war, life and television.
The work was performed on the first evening of a three-day teach-in on U.S. policy in Central America. Billy Curmano shared the bill with singer/songwriter Country Joe McDonald. Because of the context the audience was not a typical one for a performance piece. However, the attentiveness, laughter and several interruptions of the performance by enthusiastic applause were proof that Curmano's writing and energetic performance were reaching everybody.
A vertical bed, a stool and a projection screen provided a stark setting that focused attention on Curmano, while reminding us that we were eavesdropping on an insomniacs monolog. Awakened by a nightmare and then frightened by a clothe-tree, Curmano recalled a nightmare containing both ridiculous and frightening symbolic images of war.
The lights faded and then returned to show Curmano sitting on a stool staring at his left wrist, his left hand bent back. A razor blade in his right hand remained poised in the air - almost forgotten - as he spoke of the pleasure of watching his pulse beat, feeling the blood flow through his body. Then he agonized over the frustrations of life and society, sometimes wanting to blow the whole thing up. But, like blood circulating, his soliloquy came full circle when he concluded, 'It don't mean nothing. It don't mean nothing at all.'
He described a television awards show, 'The Wammy Awards', for the top ten current wars. The description was interrupted for a word from the sponsor, Art Works USA, Curmano's studio in Rushford, Minnesota. Slides, music and recorded narration advertised three of his wearable sculptures: a pair of boots on small rockets, a vest adorned with sticks of 'dynamite' wired together and a strap-on pair of legs in the full-lotus posture.
Returning to the awards show Curmano became the master of ceremonies, joyfully announcing the death-count and a brief history of the top ten current wars. Religious fanatacism - of both the right and left - were credited for the honors. The Iran-Iraq War, with a half-million dead, was the winner. Curmano became the grateful recipient of the prize; his thanks included appreciation to the Reagan Administration for helping both sides accomplish the slaughter.
Suddenly Curmano realized the night was over. We were delivered from one surreal world to another: 'I gotta go. I gotta get to work. I'm almost late." - Reggie McCleod, "High Performance", Astro Artz, Los Angeles, Issue 38, 1987.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348472010-01-21T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Midnight Babylon
<p>Billy X. Curmano brings "Midnight Babylon" to Ed's Bar, Third and Franklin St., for Winona's first Fringe Festival on January 29th at 5:00 p.m. The performance is an unusual blend of media, monologs and music featuring harmonica and ocean harp. It premiered at New York City's Cat Club and has evolved over the years as a personal response to War. The solo performance is a kind of when-will-we-ever-learn nightmarish journey into one soldier's post traumatic stress. It reminds us all to take care of those that have served. War, no matter how necessary or seemingly justifiable, never ends at the battlefield. "Midnight Babylon" sets the stage as America continues to welcome home its latest generation of warriors.
Billy X. is an award winning artist and performer that has toured just about every way imaginable including 6,200 miles and 15 cities in 45 days on a Greyhound Bus. He's teased audiences from the Dalai Lama's World festival of Sacred Music in Los Angeles to Austria's Vienna Secession. He's been a "Pick of the Week" for the "L.A. Weekly" and on the "City Pages" "A List". He comes by his social justice themes honestly. He's witnessed the horrors of war on two continents, the inside of a jail house looking out and the poverty that grips our world. Journalists have dubbed him, “The Court Jester of Southeastern Minnesota” and compared him to the likes of P.T. Barnum, Andy Warhol and Marcel DuChamp.
Each Friday, artists and arty types meet at Ed's between 5 and 7 p.m. for Informal Art Forums. A weekly artists' gathering with no one in charge. Midnight Babylon will interrupt the smart art talk at about 5:30 p.m.
The Frozen River Film Festival anchors this weekend with great independent films. The Fringe Festival was added this year. Events will be taking place throughout the city of Winona. http://www.frff.org</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348462009-11-30T18:00:00-06:002021-11-09T05:31:22-06:00Earth Speaks
<p>Last month I added a new video to the You Tube site. We shot it during our westward journey to the Spiral Jetty. The Earth actually spoke to us and we've used the Terra Linguistic Institute of Art Works USA to provide a translation. I think you'll want to see it.
https://www.youtube.com/profile?user=BillyXCurmano#g/u
Don't forget, New X is at Ed's in Winona on Friday Dec. 4.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348452009-10-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Can You Blame Me?
<p>Okay, so I've been a little remiss about the journal. Couldn't spend the last of my summer and September in front of a keyboard. Can you blame me? Just busy trying to get settled in for the winter.
There will be a new CD coming out soon with Jerry Modjeski producing. It's a match up of New Xer's and a couple of free players from the early days of the Minneapolis free jazz scene. Should be interesting, but I'll save some details for a later post.
Kelly Coyle, Steve Smith and I will introduce a new trio at the Oct. 20 "Words and Music" gig at the Winona Arts Center. I'm looking forward to it. Sometimes, it's hard to find - space is the place - in the bigger units. I'll probably bring out some kind of surprise. There will also be slots for the "Ferrel Cats" and cellist Kathy McTavish throughout the evening. Maybe we'll all get together for a jam, if they don't shut it down to early.
One of my favorite gigs is coming up at the Minneapolis Art Institue on October 24. It's a morning thing. That kind of knocks me out - But it's solo "Incidental Music" in the Fountain Court which makes it all worth while.
I sit in a corner on my old Sears Silvertone amp and push any and all sounds out through an electric dulcimer with digital delay and a few other tricks. The sounds bounce around the polished stone room and flowing fountain with the art community all about chitting and chatting and carrying on. If you're a MN artist - come on out and vote.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348442009-08-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Break Time
<p>Took a swim on the Mississippi. Carefully swam through some lilly pads to one of the beautiful lotus flowers. Gave it a sniff being careful not to suck the bee that was visiting it up my nose. Watched a couple of dragon flies romantically intertwined hover above the blooms.
Swam on to visit with some turtles before they took a dive. Life is good.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348432009-07-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Busy
<p>I've been a little remiss after travels West. Playing catch up with everything including life itself. After leaving Utah, we drove quickly to Fargo/Moorhead for the opening of the Midwestern Invitational. "Portrait of the artist as Someone Else" was reproduced in the Midwestern Invitational catalog for the Rourke Gallery Museum (See: Images).
We planned to drive on, but too much rain and champagne kept us in a motel. Then more hours behind the wheel and Winona for the SE MN Regional Art Exhibition. I wasn't in this one, but I helped organize it - so an appearance was in order.
Two hot shows with New X, first at Ed's in Winona and then The Root Note in La Crosse, followed. Now I'm working on the studio and gallery here in Witoka. Hopefully it will open to the public one day. Oh, by the way, my apple tree just gave me some sweet and crunchy apples.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348422009-06-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Spiral Jetty (Act 1)
<p>We traveled the Interstate to Utah and over-nighted in Brigham City. Early the next morning, we got onto bad to worse roads, crossed over 4 cattle guards and ended at the Great Salt Lake. Another 1/2 mile in on foot and we were at Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty". A 1,500 foot black basalt rock spiral jutting out and into the lake. His work influenced me as a young artist and I finally got to experience his most well-known piece.
The "Secret Mission" was this journey across thousands of miles to perform a greeting from the Mississippi River to the Great Salt Lake on the "Spiral Jetty". The performance was documented in a daily journal and on video. More will follow.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348412009-06-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:03-06:00Secret Mission #10729
<p>It's the infancy of my latest project. I'm not sure where it will lead me, so it must remain somewhat secretive for the time being.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348402009-06-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Timeless or Only Time Will Tell
<p>I was surfing the web and ran into an article in EuroArts that surprised me. It's from a 1984 live art performance in Winona, MN. It became part of an art historical document in UCLA's Journal of Anthropoetics in about 2000 and now it's been re-created in this 2009 article. Does that make it timeless or will time only tell? In any event here it is excerpted from:
"The Sacrificial Aesthetic: Blood Rituals from Art to Murder"
"The artist becomes or enacts the sacrifice, the stage represents sacred space, the performance is held in sacred time, and significantly the blood is fresh, crimson and free flowing. A classic example of performance art as blood sacrifice is a performance entitled "Bloodbath" by Minnesota Artist Billy Curmano. Press releases announced that "The artist’s own blood is shed in a human sacrifice intended to focus attention on global violence."(16) At the performance, which was symbolically held on Saint Valentine’s Day, Curmano was dressed in white and sitting next to a globe of the world; the audience was informed that his blood would be spilled as a sacrifice to ease the need for suffering and death."(17) Since Curmano had promised that he would supply his own blood for the sacrifice and would not mutilate himself on stage, a nurse sat next to him and extracted a dozen vials of blood by needle from Curmano’s arms as a drum beat in the background. During the ceremony Curmano opened each vial with his teeth and spilled his blood on the globe while a voice offstage announced the names of countries in conflict. (18) Although this encompasses all aspects of the use of blood in sacrifice, it is basically a non-violent performance." -Dawn Perlmutter</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348392009-05-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Billy X; New X at Winona Arts Center
<p>The Winona Arts Center presents a screening of “live art” videos and free jazz in the main galleries on Fifth and Franklin Streets in downtown Winona at 7:30 p.m., June 6. The classic videos are culled from pioneering performance artist Billy X. Curmano and will include “Performance for the Dead” and several shorts followed and interspersed with free jazz from long time collaborators the New X Art Ensemble featuring the Amazing Tess Toster Tones.
The award-winning artist entered the international arena with universal subject matter. He was buried alive for 3 days with all the trimmings including an Italian wake, New Orleans-style jazz funeral and an international postal exhibition on the theme of death. He explored water issues with a trilogy that included swimming the length of the Mississippi River, fasting in Death Valley and traveling to the Arctic Circle on public transport.
The videos and other tracks from these performances have gone to major collections like the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. He’s been featured on the “City Pages A list” in Minneapolis and as Mary Beth Crain reported for a Los Angeles “LA Weekly Pick of the Week” article:
“Curmano calls 'Adventures with Billy' 'a slightly satirical journey documenting art as life and life as art.' I call it an uninhibited blend of courage, charisma and chutzpah, the sort of thing you either love or hate but definitely aren't allowed to regard with, God forbid, neutrality.”
D.L. Hunt, Steve Smith and Billy X. formed New X as a link between performance art, classical music and free jazz. It is arguably the longest running free jazz collective in the region. The unit expanded as other musicians were drawn to the artistic freedom New X offers. They don’t embalm jazz or play hug-your-bunny cute insipid pop. New X is an eclectic blend of music, sound and improvisation rapped around words and odd tones. Reviewers have compared them to Lionel Hampton, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.
Recession pricing: $5.00</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348382009-05-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Billy X: Live Art at the Forum
<p>News Release:
The Rouge Forum Conference at Eastern Michigan University presents “Billy X: Live Art at the Forum" Friday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. in Ypsilanti. Billy X. Curmano shares a history of activism in troubled times through a solo intermedia performance featuring storytelling, video and live music. On Saturday, he offers a workshop, “How to Change Culture through Art”.
The Rouge Forum is a group of concerned educators, students, and parents intent on teaching against racism, national chauvinism and sexism in an increasingly authoritarian and undemocratic society. Curmano’s sometimes in your face brand of performance art has landed him on the world stage and occasionally behind bars. His often-humorous work is documented in numerous journals and collections including New York’s Museum of Modern Art Library.
The conference takes its name from the industrially polluted Rouge River that runs behind the Detroit Ford plant. Billy X. is especially known for extreme environmental, anti-war and social justice non-violent guerilla actions filtered through fine art. Appropriately in his most obsessive piece, he swam the length of the Mississippi River as a performance and environmental statement. A decorated veteran, he’s also worked with Vietnam Veterans Against the War since the late 60’s and authors “Oxy the Smart Bomb” for their national newspaper.
His workshop is sub-titled “Creativity of the people, for the people and the planet” and will focus on intentional art that has the power to touch people, affect their attitudes and ultimately their behavior for a better world. The conference theme is “Education, Empire, Economy & Ethics at a Crossroads” and includes the legendary activist, historian and lawyer Staughton Lynd, NCSS Defense of Academic Freedom Award recipient Greg Queen and eco-justice, educator and scholar Rebecca Martusewicz as keynote speakers.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348362009-05-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Salt Lake City
<p>Great times and great people. Water Week in Salt Lake City was extraordinary. I was honored to have a photo from the Mississippi River Swim Project chosen as the central image on all their posters, programs and even the city banner. Local artists under the umbrella of Brolly Arts converted a three-story warehouse and sites around the city into performance and gallery spaces with a water based theme. I screened video and performed at Brewvies Cinema Pub.
The rest of the week was mostly spent hiking streams, canyons and the Great Salt Lake doing research for a new project in the alpine desert environment. As it stands, I’m excited about the possibilities and the uniqueness and magic of the salt to fresh water environment.
I’ve only got a few days at home before Detroit and the Rouge Forum Conference with a Friday performance and Saturday workshop. With any luck, some of the progressive folks at the conference will spread across the country with fresh ideas on activism.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348372009-05-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Honorable Mention
<p>"Portrait of the artist as Someone Else" received an honorable mention in the 50th Midwestern Invitational at the Rourke Museum, Moorhead, MN It will be on display there from June 18th throughout the summer. I don't remember what I was thinking when I painted it, but there you have it.
It's reproduced in our images.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348352009-04-27T19:00:00-05:002021-09-08T04:33:45-05:00“Water Week”, Salt Lake City
<p>For Immediate Release:
Billy X. Curmano launches his latest work with an appearance at “Water Week” in Salt Lake City on May 3rd. The award winning artist is known for eccentric performances like being buried alive and swimming the length of the Mississippi River. He brings his water based environmental art trilogy to Brewvies Cinema Pub, 677 S. 200 W. #D, with video-screenings culled from “Swimming the Mississippi”, “Death Valley Desert Classic” and “66º 33’ North” followed by a live art performance.
The 2,367.4-mile Mississippi River swim was a performance, environmental statement and vision quest through the “Father of Waters” during drought, abundance and over-abundance. The resultant documentary won the “ 2002 Henry Hampton Award for Excellence in Film & Digital Media”. He greeted the Millennium in Death Valley with a 40-day desert fast that took him from the abundance of water to its absence. The third leg of the trilogy was as witness to water in changing states with an Arctic Circle odyssey entirely on public transportation.
Billy X. will arrive in Salt Lake City several days before the screenings to begin an as-yet unnamed work in the Salt Lake Eco-system. He will gather “Ambassadors for Clean Water” as collaborators. The salty team will develop a fresh work in and about the area’s unique environmental issues with an eye to next year’s festival. Progress will be reported on the Internet through out the year with frequent updates in the journal at http://www.billyx.net and on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BillyXC
“Hmmm… I’m wondering, now that everybody is green, am I still a tree hugger?” - Billy XC, Tweet on Twitter, April 21, 2009</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348342009-04-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00And What About God?
<p>I am an artist and an agnostic. I have often said, " Well, I just don't know." But as an artist indebted to science, I've realized that I do know.
Science cannot prove the existence of a Creator, but then again, science cannot disprove the existence of a Creator.
Therefore, I do know - that I just don't know.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348332009-03-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Portrait of the Artist as Someone Else
<p>I’ve posted my painting “Portrait of the Artist as Someone Else” in images. It will be included in “The 50th Midwestern Invitational Exhibition” at the Rourke Art Gallery Museum in Moorhead, MN for most of the summer. Here are a few thoughts on it.
“Portrait of the Artist as Someone Else”
As children, we often played make-believe. We were cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, soldiers against soldiers – it was good over evil. First ones to call out, “Good guys”, were just that. But as we got the drop on each other (sometimes with only pistol pointed fingers) we called, “You’re dead!” After an Oscar worthy death scene, “I’m a new man!” was the common response. “Portrait of the Artist as Someone Else” is my new man.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348322009-02-21T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Orange Alert Review
<p>Orange Alert got a nice review in Milwaukee's alternative paper, The Shepherd Express.
Threat Level 3 Orange Alert
Neither the name of the band nor the album connotes any danger from Homeland Security. Instead, Threat level 3 turns their Orange Alert into electro-acoustic free jazz meditations on world music. Ex-Milwaukeeans Billy X. Curmano and John Pendergast pluck, strum and bow their stringed instruments as Minnesota Steve Smith blows tenor sax and didgeridoo. The inclusion of ocean harp and Zimbabwean Mbira and trippy electric dulcimer makes for textures harsh enough for intentional listening yet unobtrusive enough for background ambience or avant-garde soundtracks.
One piece accompanied by a spoken-word love poem of ambiguous sincerity makes for a dry-humor hoot. Even more engaging, however, are the rickety samba grooves appearing on a couple of pieces. This album is not for smooth-fusion fans by a long stretch, but for those with ears to hear, Threat Level 3 make advanced music theory and dissonance fun. - Jamie Lee Rake</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348312009-01-02T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Flying
<p>I once flew in to Minneapolis from New York City.
First thing, I went to a monitor to see if my flight had arrived.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348302008-12-30T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Off With Their Heads!
<p>As I review the year, I wonder who will be going to jail for upsetting the world economy? The scandal of golden parachutes and the big bucks those fat cats carry seems to divert attention from the real deal.
OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
Okay, so I’m not a big capital punishment fan, but I want to see anyone that has caused so much suffering and pain to go to jail – and not those country club pseudo jails for the rich. The greedy CEO’s and what not have you are simply economic terrorists and should be treated as such.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348292008-12-20T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Here's to Solstice
<p>Cheers!
Winter always comes to Minnesota and often before the Solstice. I stood casually in my tuxedo, brandy snifter in hand, overlooking the world headquarters and command center of Art Works USA, when the telly rang. It was Dr. Bob. The snow was swirling every which way with North Westerly well below zero winds. The roast was cancelled, but I wasn’t off the proverbial hook. The Billy Roast will be rescheduled. I’ll let you know.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348272008-12-08T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Billy Roast WARNING
<p>The following is an unauthorized journal entry hacked in by those pesky east side robots. I haven’t figured out how to delete it, but luckily I’ve been able to add this disclaimer. I’m begging you. Don’t support this attack on my good character:
~~~~East Side Robots Hack Attack~~~~Hacked in~~~~Resistance is Futile~~~~
Dr. Bob and the East Side Robots present “Billy Roasting on an Open Fire”
Robotic dance party and human roast of the legendary performance artist Billy X. Curmano with the East Side Robots, members of the New X Art Ensemble and DJ Rhumpshaker. Come as a robot, Win a prize.
Ed’s (No Name) Bar~~~Third & Franklin~~Winona, MN~~~Dec. 20, 2008~~~9 p.m.
A High End Ruduction in conjunction with Rubber Room Records, Hardcorn and Torn Curtain
~~~~East Side Robots Hack Attack~~~~Hacked in~~~~Resistance is Futile~~~~</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348262008-12-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00Incidental Front Man
<p>The incidental front man: Last night, was my first solo “Incidental Music” at Ed’s laid-back-bar in Winona. Sure, I’m often solo on the road, but that’s usually a show with expectations. I approached Ed with the idea of a no “show” atmospheric background sound night. It’s a style I’ve grown more and more into with an annual gig at the Minneapolis Art Institute, but I didn’t know if it would translate well to a bar. It’s free jazz atmospheric, ambient and I guess entertaining. It worked at Ed’s.
Here’s my bonus: Playing incidentally, I allow myself to drift in and out of sound patterns and explore instruments. This first night out included vibraphone, ocean harp and an amped up dulcimer with bow, digital delay and a new capo. I’m sometimes delighted if I discover a new tone or two that I didn’t even know was in or out there.
And here’s the thing, I’m honored to play with the New X Art Ensemble. I often even wonder how I became the front man for a band of superb and seasoned musicians. Being out front has more responsibility than any irresponsible rapscallion may care to undertake, so incidentally, there’s more incidental music on the way.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348282008-11-28T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:02-06:00In Case I should ever be Murdered
<p>Last night, I awoke from a dream and realized I could be murdered. I quickly ran the likely suspects through my mind and decided to take action. I announced my latest project that evening at my cousin Cathy’s home in Milwaukee. Incidentally, it was also my boyhood home where a few friends and family were gathered. After several glasses of wine, I was able to convince each of them to donate a single strand of hair: “In case I should ever be murdered.”
The strands were labeled, dated and entered into my sketchbook for eventual transfer to a presentation case that will be made available to the police for DNA examination after my demise.
Original Participants included: Margarita Baumann, Catherine Healey, Susan Russell and John Pankau</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348252008-11-20T18:00:00-06:002022-03-31T13:24:52-05:00Fandango Vol. 32
<p>The latest issue of the newsletter, that feminist art historian Lucy Lippard has referred to as "hokey fan club press", is just out. "The Fandango" is archived at the Museum of Modern Art Library (NYC), so if you want to join that discriminating crowd you'll have to send a snail mail address and let us know you want to be in. One hard copy sample is always free, but that's as long as we'll carry you.
After that, you'll have to join. But Beware, "Warning and disclaimer: Joining the Billy Curmano Fan Club leaves an indelible mark on your person. You can't always see it, but believe you me, it's there, buddy. See: "The Fandango", Vol. 17 1-2, 1998, for removal information."</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348242008-11-07T18:00:00-06:002022-05-14T03:59:34-05:00Performance for an Unknown Space with Lemons
<p>I was proof-reading material for the next "Fandango" do out shortly. It reminded me of the exhibition I participated in at the Rourke Museum, Moorhead, MN last summer. I decided to re-create an older piece for their Neo-Dada theme.
"Performance for an Unknown Space with Lemons" was born again in the 49th Midwestern Invitational in the form of a handcrafted artist's book complete with steel hinged binding.
From the title page:
"One day, a note from an artist previously unknown to me arrived by mail. It was from a Hungarian born Canadian artist and founder of the Lyrical Conceptualist Society, Paul Hartal. He had come across my work and found it of interest. He suggested we collaborate.
I prepared a detailed plan for a farcical performance placing sound, music, movement, poetry, sights and scents together in an unfamiliar space. The space and participants were unknown to me. Arrangements were made entirely by mail and the performance strictly adhered to my 16-page instruction booklet.
Performance for an Unknown Space with Lemons was first performed by the Lyrical Conceptualist Society at Atelier 2101, Montreal, and Quebec, Canada in 1980. The performers have remained unknown to me.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348232008-11-02T18:00:00-06:002019-12-18T15:33:01-06:00Billy's Tiny Card Co. Goes Public
<p>Okay, so we aren't selling stock - but we are making our first Tiny Xmas Card available to the public.
For several years, we've been sending out postage stamp size greeting cards with "The Fandango". This year, we're putting that first ever card on the market.
The cards are "Far Less bother! No room for that lengthy personal note. No Muss; No Fuss!"
They come twelve to a package with a dozen standard mailing rate envelopes nicely imprinted on the obverse with: Billy's Tiny Card Co. A tiny subsidiary of Art Works USA. Care enough - Not to make a big Deal®.
The image on the card is a Crayola sketch of a Christmas Tree from my mother's refrigerator collection. I believe I was about 4 years old when I made it. The interior message reads "Merry Li'l Xmas" and there's not much room for anything else.
Click on objects if you'd like to see samples. If you want the limited run cards, they're $15.00 a dozen. Add $5.00 for postage/handling and send a check payable "Art Works USA", 27979 County Road 17, Winona, MN 55987. We'll send a pack out ASAP, but remember supplies are limited. Hurry!</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348222008-10-26T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:01-06:00Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program
<p>I have had the great pleasure to work with the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) at the Minneapolis Institute of Art as both an artist and panelist. For about 30-years, artists have been invited to an annual meeting at the Minneapolis Institute of Art where they nominate and elect a seven-member artists panel. This panel reviews proposals from Minnesota artists and selects five exhibitions each year that are mounted in the institute’s dedicated galleries. It is a very democratized process entirely curated by artists, for artists and very likely the only program of its kind in a major museum in the United States.
Recently, there was an upheaval in the program as the newly expanded museum adopted a more corporate approach to their administrative structure. In fact, the program lost its long-time coordinator and came close to self-destructing. Meetings were called within the artist community; a “Save the MAEP” committee formed and negotiations went back and forth between the museum and art workers.
Surprise, Surprise! At the annual meeting last Saturday, I was nominated and then elected to the artists’ panel. I hope to help keep the program running as smoothly as possible through this transitional time. I’m Billy X. and I approved this message.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348212008-10-23T19:00:00-05:002022-01-19T22:35:02-06:00Pain
<p>I was just thinking about when I was a young boy - maybe even a young man. I liked to rough house, wrestle, play sports, bang into my friends and so on. I think the pain helped me realize I was alive. As an older man, I don't have to do all those things. The pain just comes and goes on its own.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348202008-10-16T19:00:00-05:002022-04-19T06:03:13-05:00"66º 33' North" at You Tube
<p>There is a video short up at You Tube from my Arctic Adventure. Go see it. The back story from "The Fandango" (Vol. 29; 2005-06) follows:
Live Art: 66º 33' North is the third installment of a water based environmental art trilogy that includes the 2,367.4 mile Mississippi River swim in the abundance of water and a 40 day Death Valley Desert Fast in the absence of water. Water is a source of life that solidifies, flows or evaporates with its seasons and takes shape according to its container - whether a vase, stream, fjord or glacier. This third work follows water through the changing conditions of the arctic.
With the "Swim" video at the Baltic and the "Fast" at the Side Cinema, England proved an ideal launching site for "Live Art: 66º 33' North". On Sept. 5th - Billy and his old friend and patron, Dr. David Christenson, formed an Expeditionary Art Adventure Team and departed Newcastle on board the Princess of Scandinavia bound for the Arctic Circle.
An all night North Sea crossing brought them to Kristiansand, Norway where they boarded a series of trains - 5 hours to Oslo, then another overnight to Trondheim and still another 12 hours north to Bodo - and - the Arctic Circle. Mike Fabian joined the crew as they crossed the Arctic Sea to the Lofoten Islands. After 4 days of travel, they took a minibus to the village of A on Moskene for a good night's sleep and then:
Sept. 9, 2005: "We have to be very careful making our way over the slippery rocks. It rains so much the rocks - even back from the sea - take on a bit of sheen.
We set the flag (a blue t-shirt with transfer)
over the ocean harp carrier. Dave took the camera and Mike picked up a GPS reading, Latitude: 67º 52.761' North and Longitude: 012º 59.249' East.
I was in a loud blue rain suit and worked my way to the edge of the rocks. The waves crashed about me soaking my shoes. I bent down and caught some of the sea as it crashed against my uniform.
The ocean harp joined me for the salt water bath. I could taste it as it dripped from my moustache. The vial of Mississippi almost leapt from my pocket to join the adventure. Vial #46 of 110 collected at Lake Itasca, MN on July 8, 1987 - the first day of my 2,000 plus mile swim. Now, the waters from the Mississippi would join the waters of the Arctic Ocean in the vessel that is an ocean harp and I would have the honor of bringing their song to life.
I began percussively with the mallet and words of greeting. The waves clapped against this rocky barrier with a thunderous glee. When I switched to my bow, the waters dripped from its tail. I had hopes it would still sound - and sound it did - until the waters overpowered the artificial cat gut screams. I played on for a time with sound that could not compete with the day.
I was exuberant and excited and all was right with the world. I called out for coordinates and Mike called them back. I doubt they are audible - but I know they are there. I've decided, this singular act needs no enhancement. I've simply journeyed - on public transport - thousands of miles for a symbolic moment bringing the "Father of Waters" together with the Arctic Sea - even though I already knew - he was already here." - The Arctic Journal
This Arctic Odyssey and DVD emphasize the interconnectedness of systems within our biosphere and how parasitic practices and misuse of the planet's resources impact people worlds away. The journey as performance documents the use of efficient public transportation, even in seemingly remote areas, while entertaining people, creatures and the environment with "live art". The video will be brought home to a culture addicted to excess and show how environmental consequences come back to haunt us all.
No where on the planet are the affects of global warming and depletion of ozone more prominent than in the Arctic. In only 30 years between 1960 and 1990, the Arctic ice-floe has decreased in thickness by 40%. (Avg. thickness 3.12 m. 1960; 1.8 m 1990) 1. Pests, like mosquitoes, enjoy the more favorable conditions, while caribou herds and other wildlife decline.
This is by no means a new problem, but the continued exploitation of resources, fight for oil and talk - turned to drilling - in the fragile arctic emphasize its timeliness. It's long been known that even the most isolated areas impact the rest of the planet. As far back as 1987, a Laval University study attempted to measure the contaminants in the breast milk of women living in highly industrialized areas. Scientists selected 200 Inuit women as a control group. They lived in small isolated communities on the Eastern Hudson Bay Coastline with sled dogs more common than gasoline engines.
Their communities were without industry, yet surprisingly, the women's milk had toxic chemicals five times higher than average. Some levels were the highest recorded anywhere in the world. The pristine Canadian North is at the center of a vortex of poisons discarded by the rest of the world. Its creatures and people suffer as waste repositories for the industrial world without receiving any of the benefits. 2.
Pollution from around the globe affects living organisms from the smallest lichens to the noble polar bear. It leads to genetic defects, metabolic changes, reduced fertility, and cancer. It threatens all the people of the Arctic, perhaps even creating an endangered human species. Like the canary in the mine shaft, their health is an indicator for sustainable development. In Arctic Russia, the Mansi don't even reach retirement age and life expectancy for the indigenous people is 20 years lower than that of average Russians. That poses a great moral dilemma. The Arctic's less than 4 million indigenous population is spread over vast distances and has only a small political voice to disuade our greed.
When the ice melts, where will the waters go? Deterioration of the Arctic environment creates severe consequences for us all. Sea levels are rising and major ocean currents may change their paths - affecting not only the coasts, but the entire world climate.
References:
(1. Yann Arthus-Bertrand, "Earth from the Air; Diary 2005", Wecommunic8 Ltd., 2005.
2. Anita Gordon and David Suzuki, "It's a Matter of Survival", Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1991.)
Live Art: 66º 33' North is a call to action; a call for each of us to become responsible and conserve resources. Dependence on oil is an addiction. We're all addicts. Join the oil anonymous X step program.
1. Reduce; re-use, recycle or die.
2. Turn off lights, electronics and TVs. Don't use standby. Get energy efficient appliances/light bulbs.
3. Conserve water. Use short bursts at the sink. Seal leaks. Full washer loads and front loading machines; landscape with indigenous plants; water wisely.
4. Heating/cooling. Insulate. Check energy suppliers for green plans. Use tax incentives to add solar, wind or other renewables. Return excess energy to the grid. Plant deciduous trees: summer shade; winter sun.
5. Use local, seasonal, organic foods: Cut food travel miles, chemicals and pollution. The same goes for other products. Support locals. Bring bags to shop. Complain about and avoid over packaging.
6. Use public transit; car pool, ride bicycles and walk. Buy greener cars: hybrid, low mileage/No gas guzzlers.
7. Ethical investment. Retirement plans, mortgages, insurance, credit cards and bank accounts are all investments. Invest in green companies. Divest from polluters, arms merchants etc. - Tell them why.
8.Volunteer. Support environmental and charitable groups. Get involved with school boards; local issues.
9. Sustainable tourism. Travel lightly; buy local; be aware: An Average tourist uses a 3rd worlder's 100-day water supply in 24 hours.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348192008-10-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:01-06:00Video Link "The Greyhound Tour"
<p>The first video on the Links Page is from a solo performance in Brooklyn that was part of a much larger project. Here's a back story from "The Fandango" (Vol. 28; 2005):
The Greyhound Tour was a slice of Americana and a comment on mass transit - with a sense of history and parody thrown in for good measure. History in the tradition of the great blues and rock-a-billy players that traveled by bus (or anyway they could) and a parody of the lavish rock n' roll, country and hip-hop tours and buses of today.
Unbeknownst to Greyhound (Read that: no support), they provided public transport (in an age of solo SUV's) with a driver and built in posse that covered 21 "performances" and 6,293 miles in 45 days - just for the price of a pass.
Just another project way ahead of the curve. Almost immediately after the tour, Greyhound closed 260 bus stations between Seattle and Chicago. It primarily impacts the poor, infirm and elderly, especially in rural America.
The Greyhound Pass expired at midnight along with the last notes of his live radio concert on KFAI, Minneapolis.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348182008-10-07T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:01-06:00Local Lure 2 & Swim Finale
<p>I finally saw a copy of "The Lure of the Local" by Lucy Lippard. It was published in 1997, but I had no idea I was included in it:
“But few have yet to discover this vast territory of national water issues, which is outside of most of their experiences.
There are, of course exceptions, such as Billy Curmano’s heroic and often hilarious swim down the entire Mississippi as a performance work and environmental statement, accompanied by a deluge of hokey fan club press releases (“As American as Apple Pie, But Better for You!”); at the beginning of the 1996 swimming season, he had swum 1,928 of the 2,500 miles from his home state of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.” – pg. 167
Lucy, here’s your update:
“Alligators…Lightening…and sharks!...Oh,…my! On July 23rd, 1997 at 12:25 p.m., with alligators to the rear, sharks in the bay and a hurricane forming off the coast of Cuba, Billy X. Curmano became the first person in recorded history to swim from the source of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.” – “Selections from Objects” Catalog, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, 1997.
Incidentally, the mayor proclaimed Oct. 4, 1997 “Billy X. Curmano Day” in New Orleans and the New X Art Ensemble played for the “Swim Finale” with some very special guest stars sitting in.
Before and during the long, long swim, I developed a signature piece, "The River Rap". It addresses problems with all the world's waters. It was released on the award winning "Billy X: Solo Set" CD available at CD Baby. The lyrics are on this site and available in a chapbook from Art Works USA.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348172008-09-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:01-06:00The Lure of the Local
<p>I was busily working the other day when the phone rang. A young woman's voice seemed surprised to have connected with Billy X. I assured her it was indeed I. She told me "they" were studying me and identified herself as a student from MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design) and asked to put me on speaker. I said okay and we had some fun, but I wondered why me and why now? Another voice said they were reading "The Lure of the Local" by Lucy Lippard. I had no idea I was included in that book. Funny how you discover these things.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348152008-09-11T19:00:00-05:002022-02-22T06:00:24-06:00Threat Level 3: Orange Alert
<p>Billy had recorded with both Steve Smith and John Pendergast, but the 3 first played together at the New Orleans Contemporary Art Center with New X. It was the end of Billy's swim from the source of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico; the mayor proclaimed Billy X. Curmano Day and the 3 late-nighters played in the stairwell of their hotel. They clicked and wanted more. Time and distance held up the follow through for ten years, but now it’s a done deal. The compact disc Orange Alert is finally pressed and available at cdbaby.com/all/billyx
The first live Threat Level 3 show was a soundscape created for Internationally renowned sculptor Kenneth Patrick Payne’s Circus Inferno, Fire & Ice, at the Burchfield Nature/Art Center near Buffalo, NY. A medieval cast iron stave furnace acted as front man to the trio as they improvised with its sounds and flames climbing to a 3,000º operating temperature.</p>
Billy X. Curmanotag:billyx.net,2005:Post/61348162008-09-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-18T15:33:01-06:00Our Header & Some Credits
<p>The black & white photo on the head of the site is by Kevin Pomeroy. It's the New X Art Ensemble featuring the Amazing Tess Toster Tones at Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis.
John O'Hara bit the orange for Orange Alert. He's our go to guy for photos and graphics.
Unidentified photos and art are usually Billy's.</p>
Billy X. Curmano